My first Tomorrowland: a Day Pass story from 2016

I wanted to go to Tomorrowland from the age of 18. It took until I was 22, three failed ticket sales and a stroke of luck to finally walk through the gates in Boom. Here is the story of that very first day, Sunday 24 July 2016, and what I took from it for anyone going for the first time.

Four years dreaming of a ticket

Tomorrowland was my childhood dream. At 18 I did not really have the budget. At 19, 20 and 21 I tried my luck at every sale, and every time, nothing. It was a real lottery: in 2016 every ticket was gone before the first artist was even announced. Each attempt meant huge excitement, then the same disappointment.

Then in 2016, the breakthrough: an acquaintance got us two tickets for the Sunday. Off I went with my best friend, 22 years old, no idea what was waiting for us, and excitement building by the day.

From Wavre: official car park and shuttle

We set off from Wavre, 35 to 40 minutes' drive away. We had not really planned the journey, so we took the simplest option: a car park offered by Tomorrowland, linked to the site by shuttle buses. On the way in it works well: a bus ride of about fifteen minutes and you are at the entrance. The way back is another story.

The queue, the bag check and the wristband

First surprise: the queue itself is beautiful, the decor starts before you are even in. We waited at least twenty minutes, a standard bag check, then picked up our wristbands at the entrance. But we had arrived early, along with a huge wave of festivalgoers: once the wristband was on, we had to join a second queue to actually get onto the site. At the time we did not care at all. We just wanted to be there.

First steps in Boom: kids again

To get down to the grounds you can follow the long path or take the stairs. At the bottom there is a hot-air balloon, a few shops and a first small stage. My friend and I looked at each other: if the entrance already looks like this, what is the rest going to be like?

What strikes you straight away is the people. Everyone is cheerful, made up, dressed with incredible care. You can feel the effort, and above all the joy of being there. We were in tank tops, fairly low-key: it was hot and sunny, and we did not really know what to wear. If you are asking yourself the same thing, our festival outfit guide is made for it.

The main stage: a giant tree and a human anthill

First-timer reflex: straight to the main stage. The catch: the Day Pass entrance was at the other end of the site. We crossed the whole festival on foot, without a hint of regret.

That year the main stage had been turned into an enormous tree, true to the "Elixir of Life" theme, and for the first time without the giant face looking out at the crowd. We took our photos, grabbed a drink and just stood there, open-mouthed, like kids.

Touring the stages

We spent the rest of the day as proper tourists: we did every stage, one after another. A serious walk, but a good one, because each stage has its own decor and its own atmosphere. That Sunday the main stage ran through Oliver Heldens, Steve Aoki and Steve Angello, with even a classics vinyl set from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Elsewhere you went from the techno of Sven Väth and Paul Kalkbrenner to Don Diablo, Dada Life, Nervo, Klingande or Yellow Claw on the Barong Family stage.

That is probably what makes Tomorrowland unique: from EDM to techno by way of house, everyone finds their stage.

A crowd like no other

Beyond the stages, what struck me most was the people. Everyone is kind, smiling, ready to party. I am not saying other festivals are dull, far from it. But here, having a ticket is almost a privilege. And when everyone around you knows how lucky they are to be there, it changes the whole energy, in the moment and in the memories.

Budget: 100 euros for the day

We had set aside 100 euros each for the day, and it was more than enough. Everything was paid with the wristband. In 2016 a meal cost around 10 to 11 euros and a beer 3.50 euros. We ate several times and wanted for nothing. Prices have gone up since, but the idea stays the same: set yourself a budget before you go in.

Martin Garrix's closing set, then the long way home

To finish, back to the main stage for the festival's closing set. And there, pure luck: back then I was a Martin Garrix fan, and he was the one closing Tomorrowland 2016. His tracks, the giant tree lit up, then the final fireworks over the bowl: it was hugely emotional. For a first time, I could not have dreamed of better. It is still one of my best festival memories.

Then comes the part nobody talks about: getting out. It took us a good 45 minutes to leave the site through the crowd. At the shuttle stop: nothing, not a single bus. So another 45 minutes on foot to the car. And yet even that is a memory I love. The whole path was lit and decorated, the music was still ringing in our heads, and we kept replaying the day. A proper movie ending.

My tips for a first Tomorrowland

• Do not stay glued to the main stage. Everyone does it at first, but there are around fifteen stages, hidden spots and activities everywhere. Wander around.
• Wear good shoes. Between a Day Pass entrance at the far end of the site, touring the stages and the way back, you walk for miles.
• Climb to the top of the bowl in the evening. The view of the main stage and the crowd beats any selfie.
• Stay for the closing set, but plan your exit. The final fireworks are worth it. Then allow at least 45 minutes to leave the site, and check the time of the last shuttle before you go in.
• Arrive early, but expect to queue. Bag check, wristband, sometimes a second queue: be patient, the decor helps.
• Set a budget. We went with 100 euros each in 2016, to be adjusted to today's prices.
• Protect your ears. A full day in front of sound systems that size takes its toll: keep earplugs in your pocket, and check our festival packing list before you leave.

This story is the first in a series about my Tomorrowlands: I have been to more than nine since. Dates, line-up and tickets for the next edition are on the Tomorrowland page, and the country's other electronic festivals on the Belgium page.